The satellite will launch aboard a Delta IV launch vehicle on Aug. 7
from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
This is the sixth launch for the WGS constellation and the fourth WGS
launch on the Delta IV launch vehicle. The WGS-6 satellite will provide
the US military forces and international partners with enhanced
communication capabilities and increased coverage.

Unique to this launch is the partnership with the Australian Defence
Force. In November 2007, Australia signed a bi-lateral Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the United States to join the WGS program.
Through this agreement, Australia provides funding for the procurement,
sustainment, and launch costs associated with the sixth WGS satellite,
in return for assured bandwidth across WGS 1-6. WGS enables reliable,
secure satellite communications providing the ability to conduct
multiple and simultaneous military operations both independently and as
part of a coalition force.

The Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Center MILSATCOM Systems
Directorate procured the sixth WGS satellite through contracts with The
Boeing Company. The MILSATCOM System Directorate plans for, acquires,
and sustains space-enabled global communications to support the
President, Secretary of Defense, and combat forces.

The Space and Missile Systems Center is the U.S. Air Force's center of
acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space
systems including Global Positioning System, military satellite
communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and
range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems,
and space situational awareness capabilities.